Dual-chamber artificial heart



May 11, 1965 v. w. BOLIE- DUAL-CHAMBER ARTIFICIAL HEART 2 Shawls-SheetI1 y Filed Feb. 27. 196s @fn 7 w mM/, www? @J1/V, w E Wag@ -vf ,www

yaaom May 11, 1965 v. w. BOLIE 3,182,335

DUAL-CHAMBER ARTIFICIAL HEART Filed Feb. 27, 1963 2 Sheets-Shee\I 2 JlJ5 97 y Q6 00 Sy Jar W@ P @-76 89# 22H92 70 l u7u $91 nig/ [1 94 l7 85 ij`7l 72 75 jim-wf United States Patent O corporation of Iowa Filed Feb.27, 1963, Ser. No. 261,426 8 Claims. (Cl. 3 1) This invention relates toa dual-chamber articial heart, and, more particularly, to apparatusadapted to oscillate pneumatically.

It is an object of this invention to provide an articial heart adaptedfor use within the chest cavity.

Another object is to provide an articial heart operated by anautomatically cycling device delivering adjustably-controlled airpulses.

Still another object is to provide a pneumatic oscillator uniquelyconstructed and adapted to alternately pressurize chambers such as thoseemployed in pumping blood.

Other objects and advantages of the invention may be seen in the detailsof construction and operation set down in this specification.

The invention is explained in conjunction with the accompanying drawing,in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partially in section, of the artificialheart of the invention, the sectional portion corresponding to that seenalong the sight line 1-1 applied to FIG. 2;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the organ seen in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the organ of FIG. 2 and at a positionthereof corresponding to the line 3 3 of FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation, i.e., diagram, of a pneumaticoscillator employed in conjunction with the organ of FIGS. l-3; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an alternative form of pneumaticoscillator.

In the illustration given, the numeral 11i designates generally areceptacle adapted to be installed within the chest cavity and which isconstructed of a rigid material such as a rigid plastic capable ofgenerating the least possible hemolysis, clotting, irritation, and heat.

The receptacle 19 is characterized by a pair of elongated chambers 11and 12 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3) which extend downwardly from an open top13. The shape of the receptacle is generally oval or ellipsoidal.Centrally, the top 13 of the receptacle 11i is equipped with a pair ofupwardly-extending integral tubes 14 and 15, which communicate as at 16and 17 with the chambers 11 and 12, respectively. The interior walls ofthe chambers 11 and 12 are grooved annularly as at 18 and 19 to permitpressure fluid entering the tubes 14 and 15 to surround the collapsiblebags 20 and 21. The bags 2i) and 21 provide the pumping means for thearticial heart.

As seen in FIG. 3, the interior walls of chambers 11 and 12 are furtherequipped with vertically extending recesses as at 22 and Z3, which mergeas at 24 and 2S at the bottom of the chambers so as to insure fullaccess of pressure fluid to all of the exterior portions of the bags 26and 21.

Each bag 2t) and 21 is equipped with an upstanding constricted outletportion as at 26 and 27, respectively. Each portion 26 and 27 isequipped with an inlet check valve and an outlet check valve, the outletcheck valve of the bag 2li being illustrated in FIG. 1 and designated bythe numeral 28, while the inlet check valve associated with the bag 21is seen at the left-hand side of FIG. 1 and is designated 29. rIhe inletcheck valve associated with the bag 20 is seen in FIG. 2 and isdesignated 30,

312,335 Patented May 11, 1965 ice while the outlet check valveassociated with the bag 21 is seen also in FIG. 2 and is designated bythe numeral 31.

Functionally, looking at the showing in FIG. 1 as representing theartificial heart of a mammal, with the bag 21 corresponding to the rightventricle and the bag 20 to the left ventricle, the outlet check valve31 allows llow to the lungs and thus corresponds to the pulmonary valve.The inlet check valve 29 allows iiow from the vena cava, and correspondsto the tricuspid valve. Relative to the left ventricle replaced by thebag 2t?, the outlet check valve 2S corresponds to the aortic valveleading to the mammals aorta, while the inlet check valve 30 carries theblood iiow from the lungs and corresponds to the mitral valve.

It will be appreciated that the bags 20 and 21 are constructed ofsemi-pliable, i.e., ilexible or resilient, material adapted to changeshape upon change of external pressure-in the portions below theconstricted upper portions 26 and 27. As seen in FIG. 1, the uppernecklike portions 26 and 27 are constructed of relatively thickerplastic material so as to resist deformation and are adapted to receivethe tubes extending into the vena cava, pulmonary artery, pulmonaryveins and aorta. Preferably, the constricted portions 26 and 27 mergeinto the thinner walls of the major portions of the bags 2) and 21 byvirtue of tapering wall thicknesses as at 32 and 33.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show variations of pneumatic power operators constructedspecially so that they sequentially and automatically alternate pressureand suction to each ventricular chamber 11 and 12 from steady sources ofconstant air pressure P and suction S. Also provided are means foradjusting the cycle time and air pulses to the left and right chambers.

If desired, the pneumatic oscillator may be located externally of thebody, giving externally controllable heart rate and left and right heartoutput stroke volumes. Alternatively, internal installation of thepneumatic oscillator is achievable, utilizing an internal biological gasgenerator (possibly stomach hydrochloric acid and plasma sodiumbicarbonate to evolve CO2, which is non-toxic and re-absorbable) Theoscillator seen in FIG. 4 employs two four-way valves 34 and 35, each ofthe single pilot-operated, springreturn type. Each of the valves 34 and35 is equipped with a spool as at 36 and 37 which is spring-loaded as at33 and 39 so as to be biased in one direction. The four-way designationof each valve stems from the fact that four iiow passages or ways areprovided by positioning the spool as at 49 and 41 shown in heavy linerelative to the valve 34 and as at 42 and 43 shown in dotted line. Thecorresponding ways in the valve 35 are designated 44, 45, 46 and 47,respectively.

The valve 3d is connected to a source P of compressible pressure fluid(such as air) by means of conduits 4S, while the valve 35 is coupled tothe receptacle 10, namely, the tubes 14 and 15, by means of conduits orpipes 49. The valves 34 and 35 may be Modernairs, or the fourway, singlepilot-operated, two-position type provided by Schrader Air ValveCompany, of New York city.

In the position shown, the way 41 communicates the pressure source Pwith a first tank or reservoir 56 by means of the conduit line 51, theline 51 being equipped with a check valve 51a. Also, the line 51communicates with a iiow control device 52 which has adjustable flow inone direction via the adjustable constriction 53 and full flow in theother direction by virtue of the check valve 53a. Such a control valveis available as Modernair. No. 100, or from the Schrader Air ValveCompany. The flow control valve 53a connects with one side of a two-waydouble pilot-operated valve 54, the two Ways being designated 55 and 36.The way 55 is seen to communicate the atmosphere A with the pilot ports57 and 5S of the four-way valves 34 and 35 by means of pipe 59. Thus, inthe solid line conguration of the ways within the valves 34 and 54,compressed air is being delivered to the tanl: d and gradually buildingup inthe pilot port 60 of the two-Way valve 54 so as to shift the spool6i thereof downwardly, thereby Vestablishing the other way Ed.Meanwhile, however, the way 55 vents the pilot ports 57 and 58,permitting the springs 38 and 39 to maintain the spools 36 and 37 in thebottoni position.

Simultaneously with this condition, the reservoir 62 yis connected withone of the pipes i9 via the way d5. It will alsobe noted that theconduit 63 establishing this connection also is in communication withthe port 64 of the two-way valve 54 by means of the open check valve 65.Thus, as pressure is built up in the port d@ by virtue of pressure fluidilowing through the constriction 53, ultimately the spool 6l moves tothe downward condition. When this happens, i.e., the spool 61 beingshifted to the downward condition, the way 56 is established, whichcommunicates with the pressure source P, whereupon pressure iluid isdelivered through the line 59 to the ports 57 and 58 to move the spools36 and 37 upwardly against the bias of the springs 3S and 39. This thenestablishes the dotted line ways 42, 43, 46 and 47. With this conditionestablished, pressure fluid from the source P flows through the way 42vand conduit 66 (through the open check valve 67) to the reservoir 62.Simultaneously,

pressure iluid moves throughfthe constricted portion 67 of the'iiowcontrol valve 63 to build up pressure at the port 64 and ultimately movethe spool 6l. to the upper condition. This is made possible by virtue ofthe fact that the port 6l) communicates with the tank 50 and the way 46by means ot-the open check valve 53a. By virtue ot the fact thatpressure iluid flows out of the reservoir Si? and through the way 46, alower pressure exists at,

the port dil than that which can be established at the port 64 by virtueofthe build-up throughuid ow through the constriction 67. Pressure fluidpassing through the Way 46 enters the upper of the two pipes 49, whilethe lower pipe` is connected to suction. rillus, the tubes 14 Vand l5are alternately and sequentially subjected to pressure and suction tocause corresponding distortions of the bags Ztl and 2i, therebyeilecting the desired heart pumping action.

A modified form of pneumatic oscillator is seen in FIG. 5, whereinV onlytwo four-way valves are employed, there being no need in this case forthe two-way valve 54 seen Y in FIG. 4. Further, each of the four-wayvalves 70 and 7l are double pilot-operated, and may be ModernairCR/'405, or those provided by the Schrader Air Valve Company. Employedin combination with these valves are two variable volume reservoirs 72and 73, which may` be Schrader No. 30901-0030 cylinders having a l boreand 3" stroke.

Also employed inthe pneumatic power oscillator system ot FlG. 5 are twoflow control valves 7d and 75 of the Modernair typeV No. lil() used inthe illustration of FIG. 4. Still further, check valves as at 76 and 77are employed which may be Schrader No. 3134.

The condition of the apparatus seen in FIG. 5` Vis to `delivercompressible pressure fluid to the left ventricle chamber t4., Startingwith thev reservoir 72,'it is seen that pressure tluid from this storagetank is enabled to flow i Hthrough the line 73, then through the way 79and pipe 8@ Vtothe way Si which communicates with the tube 14 as soonasthe spool Q5 of'valve 7l shifts to the left. Simultaneously,pressurelluidtrom the source P flows through the -way 82 in the valve 7?and thence through the lineY 83 to a T 84. Ont-branch of the vT 34 com-.l municates withthe alternate reservoir 73by means of a line 85, whilethe other'branch of the `'i' ,communicates Vwith the flow control valve74 by meanssof a line 86.

,port 9@ is able to ow through the check valve portion 9.1i of the flowcontrol valve 75 into the line 78 delivering pressure fluid tothe leftventricle chamber 14.

As soon as suiicient pressure is developed in the pilot port S8 to shiftthe spool 89 'to the lett position, pressure iiuid from the source Pflows through ythe dotted lineway 92 into the reservoir 72 andsimultaneously by means of the line 93v through the constriction 94 into.the pilot port 90. This in time develops suiiicient pressure at thepilot port 9% to shiftthe spool 89 to the right position. j Thus, .thereis provided an automatic oscillation in the valve 7i) which alternatelycommunicates'thereservoirs 72 and 73 (seen to be of the adjustablevolume type by means of the pistons 72a and 73a, respectively) to theoutlet valve 7i.

In the condition shown in FIG. 5, pressure uid is being deliveredthrough the Way 81a tothe right ventricle chamber l5, while the leftventricle chamber 14 is connected to a source of suction S. ln the leftposition of the spool 9S provided as part of the valve 7l, the dottedline ways are establishedwhereinithe right ventricle chamber 15 iscoupled to suction and the left ventricle chamber 14 is connected to asource of pressure P. The shiftingrof the spool 95 is achieved veryshortly after the shifting of the spool S9, and for this'purpose thevalve'71 is equipped with right and left pilotports he and 97,respectively. In

fthe condition shown, pressure is being lbuilt up in the pilot kvalve 7lcannot pass out way 81 .of valve 7l until spool Yso 95 has shifted tothe left; In order to overcome any possiblesluggishness of action ofvalve 7@ due to friction ot its sliding spool, positive feedback to itspilot ports 88 and 9@ is provided through the one-way check valves 76and 77. ln'this'way, the spools ot valves 7th and7l alternate lett andright automatically at a rate controllable by the flow constrictions 37and V9d, and thus alternate pressure and suction pressures to the leftand right ventricles connected to lines )i4 and 15. lfthe ventricularback pressure does not exceed its maximum physiological value (3 to 5p.s`.i.g.), andrthe supply pressure P is high,('t'o 100 p.s.i.g.), thenthe ventricular stroke volumes delivered by thedeviceV are governed bytheadjustable volumes 72 and 73. Y i

While, in the foregoing specification, a detailed description of theinvention hasbeen set downlor the'purpose of illustration, manyvariations in the details herein given may be made by those skilled inthe art-withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of ythe invention. Y

I claim: Y

l. in an artificial heart, Y v Y a rigid receptacle adaptedtobe'installed in abody Y cavityand defining-a pairof chambers,saidrec'eptacle comprising a generally elliptical body with said'Y body,said valves being mounted in lside-by-side rela-k tion in saidconstricted end,

pressure fluid conduit means communicating with each chamber adapted toalternately `compress said'bagS, `said conduitmeans kbeing coupled-'toeach chamber 5 adjacent one end thereof, with flow passages for saidpressure fluid in the chamber walls communicating with the other chamberends, and a pneumatic oscillator coupled to said conduit means, saidoscillator comprising a pair of pilotoperated, four-way valves, one ofsaid valves being coupled to said pipe means, a source of pressure duidcoupled to other of said valves, a pair of pressure fluid reservoirscoupled to both of said valves, and other conduit means includingconstriction means coupling said reservoirs to said valve for operatingsaid valves. 2. In an artificial heart, a substantially rigid receptacleadapted to be installed in a body cavity and defining a pair ofchambers, a eXible bag in each chamber equipped With inlet and outletcheck valves, flexible pressure fluid conduit means communicating witheach chamber, and a pneumatic oscillator coupled to said conduit meansfor delivering pressure iluid to said chambers for alternatelycompressing said bags, said oscillator including a pair ofpilot-operated, four-way valves, one of said valves being coupled tosaid conduit means, a source of pressure fluid coupled to the other ofsaid valves, la pair of pressure fluid reservoirs coupled to both ofsaid valves, and other conduit means including constriction meanscoupling said reservoirs to said valves for simultaneously operatingsaid valves.

3. The structure of claim 2 in which the said one valve is also coupledto suction means for expanding said bags. 4. The structure of claim 2 inwhich said conduit means includes a three-way valve equipped with ashiftable spool,

and pilot ports communicating With the spool ends, said source and onereservoir being coupled to said ports in one condition of the other ofsaid four-Way valves, which said Lsource and the other reservoir arereversely coupled to 5 said ports in the other condition of said otherfour-Way valve.

l5 The structure of claim 2 in which each of said reservoirs is equippedwith means for Varying the internal volume thereof.

6. In combination, a pair of pressurizable chambers adapted to functionas an artificial heart, a pneumatic oscillator including first andsecond four-way valves each equipped with a movable spool, a source ofpressure fluid coupled to said r'irst valve, pipe means coupling saidchambers to said second valve, a pair of pressure liuid reservoirs, andconduit means interconnecting said valves and reservoirs for deliveringpressure uid for simultaneously moving said spools to alternatelycommunicate each of said reservoirs with different valves.

7. The structure of claim 6 in which said conduit means is equipped withvariable constriction means for regulating the period of oscillation ofsaid oscillator.

8. The structure of claim 6 in which means are provided for controllablyvarying the volumes of said reservoirs whereby the ventricular strokevolumes generated by said oscillator are adjustable.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,978,346 10/34Ernst et al 91-38 2,917,751 12/59 Fry et al 3 1 3,007,416 11/61 Childs103-44- 3,024,732 3/62 Nyman 137-102 X 3,037,504 6/62 Everett 12S-2143,048,165 8/62 Norton 12S-1 3,097,366 7/63 Winchell 3--1 3,099,260 7/63Birtwell 12S-1 RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examiner.

1. IN AN ARTIFICIAL HEART, A RIGID RECEPTACLE ADAPTED TO BE INSTALLED INA BODY CAVITY AND DEFINING A PAIR OF CHAMBERS, SAID RECEPTACLECOMPRISING A GENERALLY ELLIPTICAL BODY WITH SAID CHAMBERS BEING DISPOSEDIN SIDE-BY-SIDE, LONGITUDINALLY-EXTENDING RELATION, A FLEXIBLE BAG INEACH CHAMBER EQUIPPED WITH INLET AND OUTLET CHECK VALVES, EACH BAGCOMPRISING A GENERALLY ELONGATED HOLLOW BODY HAVING A CONSTRICTED END,THE WALL OF SAID BODY AT SAID CONSTRICTED END BEING RELATIVELY THICKERTHAN THE WALL OF THE REMAINDER OF SAID BODY, SAID VALVES BEING MOUNTEDIN SIDE-BY-SIDE RELATION IN SAID CONSTRICTED END, PRESSURE FLUID CONDUITMEANS COMMUNICATING WITH EACH CHAMBER ADAPTED TO ALTERNATELY COMPRESSSAID BAGS, SAID CONDUIT MEANS BEING COUPLED TO EACH CHAMBER ADJACENT ONEEND THEREOF, WITH FLOW PASSAGES FOR SAID PRESSURE FLUID IN THE CHAMBERWALLS COMMUNICATING WITH THE OTHER CHAMBER ENDS, AND A PNEUMATICOSCILLATOR COUPLED TO SAID CONDUIT MEANS, SAID OSCILLATOR COMPRISING APAIR OF PILOT-OPERATED FOUR-WAY VALVES, ONE OF SAID VALVES BEING COUPLEDTO SAID PIPE MEANS, A SOURCE OF PRESSURE FLUID COUPLED TO OTHER OF SAIDVALVES, A PAIR OF PRESSURE FLUID RESERVOIRS COUPLED TO BOTH OF SAIDVALVES, AND OTHER CONDUIT MEANS INCLUDING CONSTRICTION MEANS COUPLINGSAID RESERVOIRS TO SAID VALVE FOR OPERATING SAID VALVES.